The more I think it over the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. - Vincent van Gogh
Tuesday night was the first RUF gathering of the Georgia Tech school year. New, expectant faces appeared, wondering if this was another new beginning in their lives, and veterans eagerly rushed into the arms of dear friends whom we hadn't seen in a few days, a few weeks, or even all summer. We had eagerly anticipated this reunion, and it was finally time for blossoming friendships, spiritual encouragement, corporate worship, hugs, fun, and frozen yogurt.
An RUF friend had texted me earlier in the day, asking what RUF meant to me (I correctly presumed that he would be delivering that night's Story of Grace and Belonging and needed some content). Thirteen other people responded to him in virtually the same way I did, speaking of a community of people who love each other, who share similar passions of building meaningful relationships and growing together in Christ; a time that I look forward to each week because I can count on seeing people who care about me and the things going on in my life; a place where joy abounds, where you can see in people's faces that something BIG is happening. We want to live, love and laugh together for the rest of our lives.
This year, RUF holds new meaning for me as I am now a member of the Ministry Team and a more intimate Planning Committee. I'm not just a newbie, as I was as a freshman and as a sophomore. I'm grounded this year. People know me, and now I'm the one who is called to minister to those around me in a more "official" way. I love this new burden, but at the same time, I worry a little about how I can effectively minister to a community who knows more about aerospace than negative space.
But even though I feel like I could have more of an impact at SCAD than at Georgia Tech, my goal right now is to let go of all of the things that I want to do and listen to what God wants to do through me. Although I am possibly the slowest learner I know when it comes to real life and common sense, I have learned not to try to figure out what God is doing in my life and just to let Him do it.
The call to servanthood causes the creative gift to come alive. It gives color and tone and direction and purpose. The art that naturally flows out of our obedient response to the call of God on our lives, as a result of the imprint of the creative mandate, can, by grace, become water to wash the feet of sisters and brothers, cold water to quench the thirst of an unbelieving world. To become servants of Christ is the highest goal we can aspire to in our creative work. - Michael Card, Scribbling in the Sand
Tuesday night was the first RUF gathering of the Georgia Tech school year. New, expectant faces appeared, wondering if this was another new beginning in their lives, and veterans eagerly rushed into the arms of dear friends whom we hadn't seen in a few days, a few weeks, or even all summer. We had eagerly anticipated this reunion, and it was finally time for blossoming friendships, spiritual encouragement, corporate worship, hugs, fun, and frozen yogurt.
An RUF friend had texted me earlier in the day, asking what RUF meant to me (I correctly presumed that he would be delivering that night's Story of Grace and Belonging and needed some content). Thirteen other people responded to him in virtually the same way I did, speaking of a community of people who love each other, who share similar passions of building meaningful relationships and growing together in Christ; a time that I look forward to each week because I can count on seeing people who care about me and the things going on in my life; a place where joy abounds, where you can see in people's faces that something BIG is happening. We want to live, love and laugh together for the rest of our lives.
This year, RUF holds new meaning for me as I am now a member of the Ministry Team and a more intimate Planning Committee. I'm not just a newbie, as I was as a freshman and as a sophomore. I'm grounded this year. People know me, and now I'm the one who is called to minister to those around me in a more "official" way. I love this new burden, but at the same time, I worry a little about how I can effectively minister to a community who knows more about aerospace than negative space.
But even though I feel like I could have more of an impact at SCAD than at Georgia Tech, my goal right now is to let go of all of the things that I want to do and listen to what God wants to do through me. Although I am possibly the slowest learner I know when it comes to real life and common sense, I have learned not to try to figure out what God is doing in my life and just to let Him do it.
The call to servanthood causes the creative gift to come alive. It gives color and tone and direction and purpose. The art that naturally flows out of our obedient response to the call of God on our lives, as a result of the imprint of the creative mandate, can, by grace, become water to wash the feet of sisters and brothers, cold water to quench the thirst of an unbelieving world. To become servants of Christ is the highest goal we can aspire to in our creative work. - Michael Card, Scribbling in the Sand
Love Van Gogh's quote. If only he had known the love of Jesus. Love your thoughts. Being an artist is even more impactful when you can express the process and take us to places we have not been.
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Christian community is an incredible gift to experience. Don't forget what a blessing it is to receive. But with such a blessing comes an even poorer excuse to not go out, encouraged by fellow Gospel believers, to tell people of His great love!
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